Why Responsible Fatherhood Matters More Than Ever

By Lavern Nissley
ECC Relationship Facilitator

Fathers. Matter.

Recently, I completed an extensive Fatherhood Care Coordinator training at Pregnancy Resource Clinic here in Springfield, Ohio. 

The big idea is to come alongside fathers-to-be when their partners come in for pregnancy tests and ultrasounds. It is the time when they are most open to exploring and considering involvement with their offspring.

Making this investment of time as a volunteer at PRC extends the two decades of healthy marriage education Ronda and I led at Encompass to a crucial set of participants in family stability - dads.
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When we talk about strengthening families and communities, one concept consistently rises to the top: Responsible Fatherhood. But what does that really mean—and why is it so vital?

The Reality of Father Absence

In the United States, more than 17 million children live without their biological fathers in the home. This absence has ripple effects across nearly every aspect of a child’s development. Research shows that children with involved fathers are:

• More likely to succeed academically
• Less likely to engage in risky behaviors
• More emotionally secure and socially connected

Father involvement is also linked to lower rates of child abuse, substance abuse, and teen pregnancy.

Locally, Eli Williams and qualified facilitators of Urban Light Ministries and Fathering Strong® have invested time, finances, and resources into developing fathers who make a positive difference in their children.

Policy and Program Impact

Since 2006, the federal government has invested in Responsible Fatherhood programs through the Office of Family Assistance (OFA). These initiatives focus on:

• Responsible parenting
• Healthy marriage and relationship education
• Economic stability and employment support

During our association with Encompass Connection Center (formerly Marriage Resource Center of Miami Valley), 2005-2024, Ronda and I attended numerous trainings by OFA in the dual tracks of Healthy Marriages and Responsible Fatherhood. 

While the two areas overlap, they also contain elements of uniqueness: Responsible Fatherhood focuses primarily upon the pivotal role of dads and how to maximize their impact.

Why It Matters for All of Us

Responsible Fatherhood isn’t just a personal or family issue—it’s a community and societal imperative. When fathers are engaged:

• Families are stronger
• Communities are safer
• Taxpayer burdens are reduced
• Children thrive emotionally, academically, and socially

It’s also a key strategy in poverty prevention, crime reduction, and economic development.

Fathers. Do. Matter.

Marriage and relationship education plays a crucial role in equipping fathers with the tools they need to be present, nurturing, and effective. It’s not just about avoiding negative outcomes—it’s about building a flourishing future for children, families, and society.

The fathers-to-be that accompany their partners to prenatal visits at Pregnancy Resource Clinic are sending a clear message: Fathers matter. And I want to make sure they know that and how they can live out being a dad in real time.

Let’s continue to champion programs and conversations that support responsible fatherhood. Because when dads thrive, everyone benefits.

Encompass Connection Center provides tools and resources to help dads improve communication and conflict resolution with the mother of their children, a major factor in helping kids thrive. Check out The RINGS Experience, a cutting-edge course for couples. Other helpful resources for singles or married individuals with similar skills and concepts are The REACH Experience or Parenting for Kids' Sake.